He has qualified with MBChB from the University of Pretoria. He has subsequently obtained specialist degrees in both Clinical Haematology and Surgery, FRCS from Glasgow, MMed and PhD from Wits as well as FCPath.  He is a member of the Departments of Molecular Medicine and Haematology NHLS, at the University of the Witwatersrand as well as the Department of Internal Medicine and Surgery. He holds the position of adjunct Professor. Prof Jacobson is a founding member and the President of the Southern African Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis (SASTH), as well as one of the executive vice-presidents of the International Union of Angiology.

His responsibilities include under and post graduate student training, treatment and diagnosis of patients and international research in the field of thrombosis.  He has published widely and has more than 3000 citations.